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Arkansas man charged with 4 felonies involving still-missing Beaver Dam teen taken from her home

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Arkansas man charged with 4 felonies involving still-missing Beaver Dam teen taken from her home


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A 40-year-old Arkansas man is facing four felony charges in a case involving 16-year-old Sophia Franklin from Beaver Dam who is the subject of an active Amber Alert.

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Gary F. Day of Cabot, Arkansas, was charged Tuesday with two counts of child abduction and two counts of child enticement.

The teen is three months pregnant and Day is the father, according to the Amber Alert and criminal complaint.

“Right now, we don’t know where they are,” Beaver Dam Police Chief John Kreuziger told the Journal Sentinel on Wednesday. “We are getting tips from all over the place. Our goal is to get her back as quickly as we can and as safely as we can.”

Sophia is described by police as a white female, 5 feet, 9 inches tall, and weighing roughly 186 pounds. She has brown hair and blue eyes.

Day is described by police as a white male, 5 feet, 7 inches tall, and weighing roughly 165 pounds. He has blonde hair and green eyes.

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Anyone with information is asked to call 888-304-3936 or 911.

The complaint says that Sophia met Day online and developed a relationship with him. The two were aware of consent laws in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Arkansas.

The teen and her parents had a strained relationship; Day had earlier taken Sophie to Arkansas without her parents’ knowledge. When she returned to Wisconsin, Day sent the teen several messages beginning Jan. 26 threatening to harm himself because they were separated.

Days later an Amber Alert was issued for Sophia.

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Kreuziger said his department is working with the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation and the Lonoke County Sheriff’s Department in Arkansas.

According to the criminal complaint, Sophia’s father alerted the Beaver Dam Police Department of his daughter’s disappearance on Sunday by emailing a detective a home surveillance video that showed “a male appearing to be Gary Day” walking toward the family’s house at 7:48 a.m. Sunday.

An Amber Alert was issued Monday after Sophia’s sister reported seeing a black Buick LaCrosse, later confirmed to belong to Day, parked with its engine running a block from the family’s home.

Day had previously taken Sophia out of state

This is the second time Day has driven to Wisconsin and taken Sophia from her home.

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Day and Sophia met online in April 2024, and he drove to Wisconsin to take her to Arkansas in July, according to the criminal complaint.

Sophia’s parents first learned she was living with Day in Arkansas on Dec. 10, when officers with the Austin Police Department went to Day’s home. He was on probation and parole and was being investigated for crimes against children, according to the complaint.

Sophia’s parents told officers she had not returned home one night “back in July.” They contacted the Beaver Dam Police Department to discuss the situation, then decided against listing her as missing “because she was still around Beaver Dam” and working at McDonald’s.

Her parents said they stayed in “constant contact with her” but never saw her and “were under the impression” she was staying in Beaver Dam “with a friend.”

When officers showed up at Day’s house Dec. 10, Sophia explained that Day “came and got me” from Wisconsin on July 29. She said they arrived at his Arkansas home on Aug. 1. The two had met online in April, according to the complaint.

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Sophia told officers the two made their way back to Arkansas after spending a night at a Madison hotel and eating at Culver’s, then spending the next night at a hotel in Bloomington, Illinois, according to the complaint.

According to the complaint, Sophia said Day knew “from the get-go” she was 16.

Sophia told the officers she had been living with Day since August and he was providing her “food, shelter and clothing” and that they planned to get married. She initially denied they were sexually active, according to the complaint.

When further questioned by officers, Sophia said they were sexually active, adding “I just don’t want him to get in trouble.”

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The complaint states Sophia and Day waited until they were in Arkansas to be sexually active because “they knew it was illegal in Wisconsin and Illinois.” In Wisconsin, it’s illegal for an adult to engage in sexual activity with a minor.

Sophia was returned to her parent’s Beaver Dam home in December. Sophia’s parents were “shocked” to learn she was living in Arkansas, according to the complaint. Her mother told officers Sophia told her she had “hitchhiked her way to Arkansas.” She believed Sophia was “in a position where she would be defending” the man she was spending time with, the complaint says.

On Feb. 1, two days prior to the Amber Alert being issued, Sophia’s father contacted Beaver Dam police, informing them she was “doing well at home.”

He also informed them of a Google account he and Sophia’s mother had discovered the previous evening. They did not mention it to Sophia but gave their permission for the police department to review the account.

A Beaver Dam detective determined Sophia was communicating through an email account later determined to belong to Day.

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According to the complaint, Day told Sophia through several messages that “I want nothing to do with you,” “Suicide, you win, goodbye,” and “no one will care.”

Sophia responds with, “I’ll care and so will our daughter.” She then tells Day she has named the unborn child Ava.

“I know how much you wanted a girl and I know how much you care for your children,” Sophia emailed to Day, according to the complaint.

“Tell her I’m dead,” was Day’s response.

The last message included in the complaint states: “I stayed out past curfew. Probation. And I didn’t notice. I’m done.”

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Police said Sophia and Day are likely traveling in a 2014 black Buick LaCrosse. Chief Kreuziger stressed they are swapping out license plates. The vehicle was last seen using a Pennsylvania license plate number KGW518 on Monday morning in Wisconsin.

Jessica Van Egeren is a general assignment reporter and assistant breaking news editor with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She can be reached at jvanegeren@gannett.com.



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11 people arrested in connection with various charges in Northwest Arkansas | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

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11 people arrested in connection with various charges in Northwest Arkansas | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette


Arrests

Benton County Sheriff’s Office

Scott Minor, 45, of Elm Street in Jefferson City, Mo., was arrested Friday on suspicion of computer child pornography and sexually grooming a child. Minor was being held Monday in the Benton County Jail with a $150,000 bond set.

Bentonville

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Damond Drake, 52, of West Highland Drive in Rogers was arrested Saturday on suspicion of delivery of methamphetamine or cocaine. Drake was being held Monday in the Benton County Jail with no bond set.

Fayetteville

Cornelius Anderson, 33, of Dawn Street in Fayetteville was arrested Saturday on suspicion of third-degree assault on a family member, third-degree domestic battery, first-degree criminal mischief and theft of property. Anderson remained at the Washington County Detention Center Monday in lieu of $5,000 bond.

Eduard Korshakov, 37, of Prairie Dunes Trail in Fayetteville was arrested Saturday on suspicion of aggravated assault on a family or household member, kidnapping, first-degree false imprisonment, third-degree domestic battery and interference with emergency communications. Korshakov remained at the Washington County Detention Center Monday in lieu of $25,000 bond.

Efrain Quiroz, 29, of North Shamblin Avenue in Fayetteville was arrested Sunday on suspicion of second-degree battery and second-degree endangering the welfare of a minor. Quiroz remained at the Washington County Detention Center Monday in lieu of $25,000 bond.

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Leo Ward, 21, of West Tanner Drive in Fayetteville was arrested Sunday on suspicion of aggravated residential burglary and stalking. Ward was released from the Washington County Detention Center Monday on $25,000 bond.

Rogers

John Jenkins, 21, of Arkansas 351 in Jonesboro was arrested Saturday on suspicion of fraudulent use of credit/debit card. Jenkins was being held Monday in the Benton County Jail with no bond set.

Springdale

Ashlyn Neal, 19, of Powell Street in Springdale was arrested Saturday on suspicion of kidnapping, second-degree battery, endangering the welfare of a minor, resisting arrest and obstruction of government operations. Neal was released from the Washington County Detention Center Saturday on $5,000 bond.

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Jose Neal, 37, of South Powell Street in Springdale was arrested Saturday on suspicion of second-degree domestic battery, third-degree domestic battery, interference with emergency communications and resisting arrest. Neal was released from the Washington County Detention Center Saturday on $5,000 bond.

Skyler Shane, 31, of Highway 62 in Westville, Ok., was arrested Sunday on suspicion of Possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance with intent to deliver, simultaneous possession of drugs and a firearm, carrying a prohibited weapon and disorderly conduct. Shane was released from the Washington County Detention Center Sunday on $3,500 bond.

University of Arkansas Police Department

Celso Adame-Gallegos, 19 of Jade Street in Springdale was arrested Friday on suspicion of possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance with intent to deliver. Adame-Gallegos was released from the Washington County Detention Center Saturday on $5,000 bond.

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Erika Kirk to Join Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders for Announcement at Arkansas State Capitol

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Erika Kirk to Join Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders for Announcement at Arkansas State Capitol


Arkansas leaders are set to take the stage at the State Capitol Wednesday afternoon for an announcement already drawing statewide attention.

At 1 p.m., Sarah Huckabee Sanders will appear alongside Erika Kirk, the chairwoman and CEO of Turning Point USA, at the Arkansas State Capitol.

While officials with the governor’s office have not yet released details about the announcement, the joint appearance is expected to draw significant attention from political leaders and supporters across the state.

The moment also brings renewed focus to the legacy of Erika Kirk’s late husband, Charlie Kirk, a nationally recognized conservative activist who built one of the country’s largest student political organizations aimed at mobilizing young voters on college campuses.

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In 2025, Kirk was fatally shot during a campus event at Utah Valley University. Authorities say the gunfire erupted during a gathering connected to student political programming, sending attendees scrambling for safety.

Kirk was rushed from the scene but later died from his injuries, sparking shock and an outpouring of reaction from political leaders, students, and supporters across the country.

In the weeks that followed, memorials and tributes appeared nationwide. In Arkansas, supporters and lawmakers honored Kirk’s life and work with a memorial exhibit displayed inside the Arkansas State Capitol, recognizing the influence he had on conservative youth activism and campus politics.

Following his death, Erika Kirk stepped into a leadership role at Turning Point USA, pledging to continue the organization’s mission and expand its outreach to students across the nation.

On Wednesday, Kirk will again be at the Arkansas State Capitol, this time standing beside Governor Sanders for a joint announcement, as leaders gather and the state waits to learn what the two will unveil.

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Stetson shuts down Arkansas baseball, wins 4-1 in third game of series | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

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Stetson shuts down Arkansas baseball, wins 4-1 in third game of series | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette


FAYETTEVILLE — The ninth-ranked Arkansas baseball offense was tamed Sunday by Stetson junior right-hander Trace Hartman. 

Hartman allowed a run in the first inning but held down the Razorbacks for the rest of his 6 2/3-inning start, and the Hatters won 4-1 at Baum-Walker Stadium. Arkansas (12-4) had a five-game winning streak snapped. 

The Razorbacks had chances against Hartman. They put the leadoff batter on base against him in the first, second, third, fifth and seventh innings, but they could not come through with the big hit. Arkansas finished the game 1 for 16 with runners on base and 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position. 

“Hartman just kept finding a way,” Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn said. “He’d get behind in the count and he’d come back — 3-2, 3-1 and he’d get you out. He just pitched. Give credit to him. He did a good job.” 

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Stetson (6-10) snapped its three-game losing streak and gave itself a chance to split the series with a win in Monday’s series finale. First pitch is scheduled for noon. 

Hartman, a former NCAA Division II standout at University of Charleston (W. Va.) who entered the game with a 1.29 ERA and 0.71 WHIP, scattered 5 hits and 4 walks, and struck out 3 during his 101-pitch outing. 

“I was getting the fastball across the plate,” Hartman said, “really just challenging the hitters and making them get themselves out.” 

MORE FROM WHOLEHOGSPORTS: Notes, observations from 4-1 loss to Stetson

Stetson homered twice against Arkansas starting pitcher Colin Fisher in the fourth inning to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 4-1 lead. Left fielder Foster Apple led off the inning with a home run to left field to tie the game 1-1. 

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After a throwing error by Arkansas shortstop Carson Brumbaugh and a 1-out double by Stetson shortstop Landon Russell, right fielder Jayden Hylton hit a 3-run homer to left to give the Hatters the lead for good. 

    Stetson players celebrate with right fielder Jayden Hylton (17) after he hit a home run during a game against Arkansas on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Fayetteville. (Hank Layton/WholeHogSports)
 
 

It was the third home run of the season for the 6-foot-5, 225-pound Hylton, who Stetson coach Steve Trimper said before the series was likely the team’s best pro prospect. 

“When Jayden gets hot he can be really good,” Trimper said. “He’s had kind of a roller coaster start to this [season]. He’s one of our better players and he just hung a breaking ball to him on that. 

“Foster, he just hit a good pitch. That was a ball that the pitcher was doing a great job and he just got his hands inside the ball and was able to turn on it enough to where the wind — the only place the wind was out today, I think, was kind of down that left-field line.” 

Three of the runs were earned against Fisher, who had not allowed an earned run in 22 innings prior to the fourth. It was the second-longest stretch without an earned run during Van Horn’s 24-year tenure. Barrett Astin threw 22 2/3 innings without an earned run to begin the 2012 season during the dead-bat era. 

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Van Horn said Fisher was not as sharp as his recent outings. He gave up leadoff singles to Juan De La Cruz in the first inning and Paul Napolitano in the third, but he worked out of the jams. 

Fisher struck out Yohann Dessureault with three consecutive curveballs in the first inning, and Renzo Gonzalez hit into an inning-ending double play in the third. 

“You could kind of tell early that he was either going to have to get better [and] he was going to have to recover,” Van Horn said. “We were hoping after maybe the second inning he would like make a jump and start pitching better, but it really just kind of stayed the same.” 

Fisher allowed 4 runs (3 earned) and 6 hits and struck out 4 during his 4-inning, 69-pitch start. 

The Razorbacks plated a run quickly against Hartman in the first inning when Damian Ruiz led off with a double and scored on Camden Kozeal’s 1-out double. 

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But there was little pressure on Hartman from that time until he left the game with runners on the corners in the seventh. Right-hander Andrew Lepine replaced Hartman and got Ruiz to ground into a force play at second base to end the seventh. 

  photo  Arkansas second baseman Camden Kozeal (8) flips to shortstop Carson Brumbaugh to start a double play during a game against Stetson on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Fayetteville. (Hank Layton/WholeHogSports)
 
 

Kozeal said the Razorbacks should have been more aggressive offensively. 

“Maybe guys [were] taking it off a little bit 1 through 9,” Kozeal said. “We’ve got to have an aggressive lineup 1 through 9, trying to hit the ball hard.” 

Lepine worked around a leadoff walk by Ryder Helfrick in the eighth and a 2-out walk by Carter Rutenbar in the ninth. His 2 1/3 innings of scoreless work Sunday followed 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief against the Razorbacks on Friday. 

Trimper called Lepine “a really tricky guy” and a true submariner. 

“We got our little sinker baller, sidearmer to come in and get ground balls,” Trimper said. 

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Stetson out-hit Arkansas 7-5. De La Cruz and Russell both had 2 hits for the Hatters, and Ruiz and Maika Niu both had 2 hits for the Razorbacks. 

Cole Gibler did not allow a hit and worked around 2 walks and Brumbaugh’s second throwing error in 3 scoreless innings. Ethan McElvain pitched scoreless eighth and ninth innings.

Box Score

Stetson 4, Arkansas 1.pdf

Highlights

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